UTSA screens Chicano Vietnam veterans’ film today

In time for Veterans Day, San Antonio filmmaker Laura Varela screens her Chicano Vietnam veterans’ documentary “As Long As I Remember” at 5:30 p.m. today in the Buena Vista Building, UTSA Downtown Campus.

The film examines post-traumatic stress among Chicano veterans and puts their stories in the context of Chicano activism. It aired nationally on PBS stations during Hispanic Heritage Month, drawing national response from vets. One said viewing it “filled a hole that couldn’t be healed.”

The event is sponsored by the UTSA Mexican American Studies with several other academic departments and programs. A reception will open the event and a question-and-answer session will follow it.

The film will be re-screened at 1 p.m. Thursday, again in the Buena Vista Building downtown. Catch it if you can, and read about the film and filmmaker at her site.